C136 Two Families, One Promise

At the Wood residence, the evening atmosphere was unusually calm, yet underneath it all tension still lingered. Tracy had returned from the hospital earlier that day, intending to speak with Ben about everything that had happened. But at dinner, only Samantha, Sarah, and herself were present. Ben never came home.

The three of them ate quietly, but after dinner, they remained seated and began talking. Samantha looked at Tracy with admiration. “Mother-in-law, today you were incredible during the meeting. I was honestly shocked. I didn’t know you understood the business world so well.” Sarah nodded in agreement. “Mom, I feel the same. Just one look from you and everyone became silent. Even those cunning men couldn’t oppose you… not even Ben.”

Tracy smiled softly, placing her cup down. “When your father started this company, we were already married. We built everything together, side by side. That’s why they couldn’t object today, they all know the history behind this company.” Samantha chuckled lightly. “Even so, your presence today was powerful. That cold expression alone was enough to silence the entire room.” Laughter filled the room, and the tension in the Wood family seemed to fade.

Meanwhile, Ben was not at home. He had taken Natalie to a hotel. After a long day, his energy still seemed endless. Ben kissed Natalie, as the kiss went deeper their minds went blank. After a while, Ben finally relaxed.Turning toward her, he casually brought up the same topic again. “Natalie… are you still unsure? After I divorce Samantha, I want to marry you.”

Natalie let out a tired sigh. She had been working the entire day, and now she had been tortured by Ben. “I don’t know,” she said softly. “But if you’re really serious, I won’t object.” Ben smiled in satisfaction. They then shifted to work-related talk. “When I succeed my father,” Ben said proudly, “I will become the Director. What position would you like in the company?”

Natalie shook her head. “I don’t need any special position. Working as your secretary is enough for me.” Ben laughed teasingly. “Is that because you love me… or because you don’t want me hiring another beautiful secretary?” Natalie blushed slightly. “I choose not to answer that.” She stretched slightly.

“So are we staying here all night, or going back?”

Ben suddenly sat up. “Oh no… I forgot to tell my family. They’re probably waiting for me.” He quickly stood. “I’ll take you home first.” But Natalie shook her head. “It’s fine. You already booked the room. I’m tired so I’ll stay here.” Ben hesitated, then nodded. “Alright. Rest well.” That night, he left alone.

Back at the Wood residence, the waiting eventually ended. Sarah stood up first, yawning. “It seems like we’re waiting for someone who isn’t coming. I’m going to sleep.” Samantha nodded. “I’m tired too. Monica is alone upstairs.” Tracy sighed softly. “Fine. We’ll talk to him tomorrow.” One by one, they left the dining area, and the house became quiet.

The next morning… I woke up early, showered, and went downstairs for breakfast. To my surprise, my parents were already seated. I looked at them, surprised. “Mom, Dad… you don’t even work anymore. Why are you awake so early?” Quinton smiled faintly. “When the mind is full of thoughts, sleep doesn’t last long.” I nodded. “Are you both okay?” They both nodded.

As we ate, something crossed my mind. “Mom, yesterday there was an emergency meeting at work. Mrs. Wood attended it.” Mary looked up. “Tracy? I thought she was at the hospital with her husband.” “She had urgent matters to handle,” I explained. “And she appointed Sarah as Interim Director instead of Ben.” Both of them froze. “What?” they asked in shock.

I continued calmly. “I think I finally understand why Ben hated me so much.” Quinton narrowed his eyes. “Why?” I sighed. “Do you remember in school? We were close friends. But everything changed after the final exam results. He accused me of stealing his notebook… and you punished me for it.” Silence fell. “You mean…” Mary whispered, “all this hatred started because of jealousy?” I nodded. “Yes.”

Before leaving, I added one more thing. “Mrs. Wood asked me to apologize to you both. She said she understands you were wrongly treated. Once Mr. Wood recovers, she will come personally.” My parents exchanged a look. Then both sighed in relief. “At least,” Quinton said quietly, “the truth is finally coming out.”

Later, I arrived at work. Chris was already waiting outside. Alicia arrived shortly after, dressed in a sleek grey business suit that highlighted her elegance. I smiled. “Morning, Wifey.” Chris immediately choked. “What did you just say?” Alicia smiled calmly. “Good morning, Husband.” Chris froze completely. “So it’s official now… I’m just the third wheel.”

I laughed. Alicia then handed me a lunch box. “I made this for you.” Chris’s eyes widened. “You cooked for him? Seriously?” He pointed between us. “So I’m just here to watch this romance every day?” Alicia teased him. “How is it unfair? Your girlfriend is literally our boss.” Chris sighed dramatically. “I’m being bullied.” I laughed. “So are you going to report us to your girlfriend?” Alicia added “Careful, we might get fired.” We all laughed.

From a distance, Samantha was watching. Her expression darkened as she saw Alicia and me together. Without a word, she turned and walked away. A few moments later, a Mercedes-Benz pulled in. Sarah stepped out. Chris immediately waved. “Hey honey!” Sarah smiled. “Good morning, Mike. Morning, Alicia.” Chris froze. He thought to himself, Is she ignoring me. She is making me loose face. Worse in front of Alicia and Mike. His face turned pale.

Sarah turned to Chris, "Good morning hubby." Chris jolted, "How is my baby girl. Did she kick you." Then Sarah placed a hand on her stomach. “My love… she can’t kick yet. She’s only eight weeks old.” Chris smiled proudly again. “Of course my girl is still young.” Sarah raised an eyebrow. “How do you know it a girl?” Chris smirked. “Because you also said ‘she.’” Everyone burst into laughter.

Alicia folded her arms. “So this is your revenge?” “What revenge?” Sarah asked. Alicia laughed. “He’s just jealous because I gave Mike lunch and you didn’t give him any.” Chris panicked. “I didn’t say that!” Sarah smiled. “he never asked me… maybe I should have...” Chris immediately regretted everything. “But Mike didn’t ask Alicia, she just...” He stopped mid-sentence and covered his mouth. More laughter followed.

Sarah leaned closer to Chris. “Does my future baby daddy… want to have lunch with me?” The group went silent. Chris looked at me helplessly. I shrugged. “Don’t look at me, brother.” Sarah smirked. “1 p.m. My office. Don’t be late.” Then she walked inside. Chris stood there defeated. And just like that, another chaotic day at work began.